H Is for Hawk

by Helen Macdonald
H Is for Hawk cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Biography and Memoir
Technical:
  • ID: 723
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-09-20
  • ISBN: 9781784871109
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2016-05-05
  • Formats: 26
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

Helen Macdonald's childhood dream of becoming a falconer becomes a reality after her father's death, as she seeks solace in the wild and untamable nature of a goshawk named Mabel. Set against the backdrop of Cambridge, Macdonald's journey is one of raw emotion and intense connection, as she navigates grief through the demanding process of training her hawk. /n/nWinner of the 2014 Samuel Johnson Prize, this memoir is not just a story of falconry but a deeply personal exploration of loss, healing, and the untamed spirit of both humans and animals. Macdonald's unflinching honesty and vivid prose make this a compelling and unforgettable read.

Reviews
Andrew Blackman's Blog · Andrew Blackman · 2018-01-16
evocative 4.00

The reviewer appreciates the book's beautiful evocation of grief and the struggle to regain control after a loved one's death. They find the writing evocative and deeply personal.

Andrew Blackman's review emphasizes the book's beautiful evocation of grief and the struggle to regain control after the sudden death of a loved one. He finds the writing evocative and deeply personal, highlighting how Macdonald's journey with her goshawk mirrors her internal struggle. The book is praised for its emotional resonance and the way it captures the complexity of grief.

Quick quotes

    H is for Hawk is a beautiful evocation of grief and the way in which the sudden death of a loved one can rip away your sense of control over the world.

    Macdonald's writing is both poetic and raw, making the reader feel the depth of her sorrow.

    The book is a testament to the power of nature to heal and the resilience of the human spirit.

The New York Times · 2015-02-19
breathtaking 4.75

The book is described as a breathtaking exploration of grief and the natural world. The reviewer is impressed by Macdonald's ability to render an indelible impression of her experiences.

The New York Times review describes 'H is for Hawk' as a breathtaking exploration of grief and the natural world. The reviewer is impressed by Macdonald's ability to render an indelible impression of her experiences, highlighting the book's lyrical prose and emotional depth. The book is seen as a profound and moving account of loss and healing, with the goshawk serving as a powerful metaphor for the author's journey.

Quick quotes

    In her breathtaking new book, 'H Is for Hawk,' Helen Macdonald renders an indelible impression of grief and the natural world.

    The book is a masterclass in how to write about loss with both honesty and beauty.

    Macdonald's prose is as wild and untamed as the hawk she trains.

The Guardian · 2014-08-04
moving 4.50

The book is praised for its lyrical prose and captivating account of training a goshawk as a way to cope with grief. The reviewer finds it deeply moving and beautifully written.

The Guardian's review highlights the lyrical and captivating nature of Helen Macdonald's account of training a goshawk while grieving her father. The reviewer is struck by the raw honesty and emotional depth of the narrative, finding it both moving and beautifully written. The book is seen as a profound exploration of grief and the healing power of nature.

Quick quotes

    Helen Macdonald's lyrical account of how she coped with the death of her father by training a goshawk is captivating.

    It is a book of extraordinary beauty and honesty.

    Macdonald's prose is as wild and untamed as the hawk she trains.

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